jwomp

Long time...No write

2008-12-03T10:22:00.004-07:00

Well, it's been quite some time since I've written anything in this blog. Needless to say, it's all work and no play for me. Quite honestly, in my free time from work, I've been playing Mafia Wars on Facebook. This is my crack cocaine! It's incredibly counter-productive. I have the game always running on both computers, so between short little breaks, I can jump back in the game. What an absolute time waster.

Lets see...updates on my life since I last wrote anything...

I managed to get rid of my assistant Gilmer. He wasn't happy working for me and it was starting to effect his job. I don't blame him. Believe me...it's hard working for an asshole like me. I'm incredibly demanding. That's okay. I've gone through three assistants this year. I've pretty much had to do this job by myself for almost 6 years. What's another 6 years by myself?

Lets see...

I did manage to break away from the office and finally see Quantum of Solace. I'm still not too sure how I feel about the movie. I did like Casino Royale better. The action sequences in Quantum were great, but I think the movie as a whole was lacking something (and, I still don't know what that item is).

Lets see...

I've had to kick Johnny in the ass about a hundred times for being disruptive at school and lying to his mother. I don't know what the hell is wrong with that kid. He's so smart and has a great sense of humor. And, he's a good person. Why is it that he feels he should lie to Mommy about the things he does? Maybe he thinks that he will get in big trouble? I've explained to him over and over again that if he just tells the truth, sure he'll get in trouble, but not as bad as it will be if he lies about it. He's currently being grounded (again) and has lost his imaginary friend.

Lets see...

Thanksgiving was okay. We really never do much. We spent most of the afternoon with Kelly's family. Not much more to speak of.

Lets see...

Work, work, and more work. Now that the end of the year is coming to a close, I have report after report to run before our last set of meetings in Las Vegas. No date has been set yet, but I think it will be sometime this month. Not looking forward to that.

Well, hell...better get back to work. Today is the 3rd of December and I haven't even closed out my November logs. What a pain in the ass. What a ton of work.

Grand Junction makes CNN

2008-10-22T05:37:00.003-06:00

Quantum's short Trailer

2008-10-08T11:38:00.001-06:00

Quantum of Solace Trailer in HD @ Yahoo! Video

Only a Month away!

2008-10-08T11:23:00.002-06:00

'Quantum Of Solace' Theatrical Trailer @ Yahoo! Video

I'm not going to eat that Cow-Patty!

2008-10-03T18:47:00.003-06:00

A few things about me...

2008-10-01T05:37:00.008-06:00

I saw this questionnaire on my sissy's MySpace page this morning and thought it would be fun to post here, although I've changed a couple of questions. Unless you went to college with me, my life is pretty much a closed-book. Hell, there are still plenty of things in my past that Kelly isn't even aware of. Most of you, including family members, probably don't know a few of the answers that I've posted. Enjoy.

1. What's your middle name? Hideyo

2. How big is your bed? King

3. What are you listening to right now? My Typing and the "Money Report" on my computer

4. Have you ever been arrested? A couple of times for Public Drunkenness

5. What was the last thing you ate? A blueberry muffin that Mike Porter's wife brought for me (what a sweetie!)

6. Last person you hugged? Johnny

7. How is the weather right now? Getting warmer at 68 degrees (suppose to be 82 degrees today).

8. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My cars.com rep. Her name is Beth Schubert. She's coming to town for a visit next week.

9. What is the first thing you notice in the opposite sex? Hair Color (I like Red Heads)

10. Favorite type of Food? Pizza and Burgers...I'm pretty plain when it comes to food

11. Do you want children? I have one. One is enough!

12. Do you drink? Way too much...I'm what you call a Functioning Alcoholic

13. Hair color? Eye color? Brown and Brown

14. Do you have any bad habits? Smoking, drinking, and way too much Caffeine

15. Do you wear contacts/glasses? Glasses

16. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving...it's the only time when we all get together as a family.

17. Favorite Season? Spring

18. Have you ever cried over a girl? A couple (Jennifer Van Beak, Crystal Caserras, and Samantha Miller)

19. Last Movie you Watched? "The Bourne Identity" on DVD

20. What books are you reading? "Blink"...it's a business book...pretty boring.

21. Piercings? I'm afraid of needles

22. Favorite Movie? That's such a hard question. I have lots of favorite movies. If I had to pick, I would say "Blazing Saddles" or "The Jerk". I've seen them both a million times.

23. Favorite college football Team? Boston College...They're the ultimate upset team

24. What were you doing before filling this out? Filling out my assistant's Calender for the day

25. Any pets? Daisy (German Shepard) and Parker (shit-head Golden Lab)

27. Dogs or cats? As long as they're dead, I'm not too particular

28. How many phone numbers do you have saved on your cellphone? Over 500...I use 95% of my Blackberry for business

29. Who would you like to see right now? A couple of old friends

30. Have you ever fired a gun? Are you kidding me? I have enough firearms to start a small war

31. Do you like to travel by plane? I've logged more flight hours than most pilots

32. Right-handed or Left-handed? Ambidextrous, although my handwriting with my left hand is a little sloppy

33. If you could go to any place right now where would you go? Back to sleep or the Mayan Riviera

34. Are you missing someone? All the time

35. Do you have a tattoo? My father used to tell me, "Only convicts and soldiers have tattoos", so No.

36. Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings? Only if my son is watching them...he's pretty fond of Sponge Bob

37. Are you hiding something from someone? I have lots of skeletons

38. Do you have a favorite song? "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles

39. What is the wallpaper on your cellphone? GM logo and Calender

40. Did you get enough sleep last night? No. I suffer from insomnia

41. First thing you thought about this morning? Damn Dogs!

42. What do you have handy at your bedside? Extra Pillow and Glock 17

43. Shoe size? Depends on the make...8 1/2 M in a Johnston & Murphy and a solid 9 M in an Allan Edmund

44. Are you afraid of the dark? Yes. I've always been afraid of what I can't see.

45. Favorite hangout? Now that I have a family, I don't get to "Hangout"

46. 3 things you can't live without? My cellphone, laptop, and camera

47. Are you a Giver or a Taker? I'd say it's a 50/50 split

48. What is your dad's middle name? Linn

49. What is your mother's middle name? Do Japanese people have middle names?

50. Stuck on a deserted island and could take one thing? Food

51. How many hours a day do you spend on the Internet? 8 to 12 hours...my job requires me to be on the Internet

52. Who's your cellphone provided? AT&T/Cingular

53. First thing you'll save in a house fire? My family or photographs

54. Have you ever been in a car accident? 3, none of which were my fault

55. What are the things you always take with you? Blackberry, money, and camera

56. What did you want to be when you were a kid? Han Solo

57. Where were you born? 29 Palms, California

58. Any siblings? 3 sisters

59. Do you still talk to your high school/college friends? Most of them from college

60. Are you a creature of habit? Oh, yeah...I have a routine every morning. And, if that routine is broken, my day goes to shit. I suffer from obsessive compulsive behavior.

Football, Fast Jets, Little Kids, and Hot Chicks

2008-09-29T15:03:00.036-06:00

What a weekend! Sure, I had to work. What else is new? But, instead of sitting behind a computer at home all weekend, I had planned out a day-and-a-half of fun and excitement! You may have noticed something strange about the photograph on the left...it's pre-haircut! I posted a photograph on Saturday of me in the post-haircut phase, when I had meant to do a side-by-side comparison.

SATURDAY

My weekend started on Saturday at 4:15PM, with my purchase of a new digital camera. I finally broke down and bought a digital SLR. That's really the last thing that I need. I'm sure Kelly wasn't too happy. We now have 5 digital cameras, 3 camcorders, 2 analog SLR's in the house. Call me a realist, but I've put off purchasing a digital SLR because I still don't think that a digital camera can match up to the clarity of film. And, it's been a difficult task to find a digital SLR that will allow me to use my Tamron lens.

I wound up purchasing the Sony A300 SLR. Why a Sony, when I am a die-hard Nikon user? Well, a couple of reasons...Although the Nikon D40 is a highly rated camera, it lacks several items that I would want in the D60. And, quite honestly, I didn't want to put out the extra dough to step up to the D60. Plus, the D40 wouldn't allow me to use a Tamron lens.

Is the Sony a better camera? I'm not too sure yet. Sony invented the proprietary imaging hardware used in all digital cameras. I currently own two Sony digital cameras and I have been pleased thus far. Now, the reason I did go with the Sony boiled down to one thing and one thing only. I'm a tight-ass. Simple as that. Sure the Sony cost as much as the Nikon D60, but in the long run, the Sony will cost less to operate. Do you much about the Sony corporation? Well, the Sony company was smart to produce products that are not compatible with any other company's. For instance...the cords that are used on a Sony digital camera cannot be interchanged with a Canon digital camera, nor can you purchase an aftermarket version of this particular cord. Well, being a proud owner of several Sony products, I figured that if I purchased the A300, I wouldn't have to purchase any other cords or cables. They're all compatible! Now, if I would have purchased the Nikon D40, I would have to purchase all new shit, including memory cards. So, in a nut-shell, the Sony cost less.

After purchasing the camera and leaving the office early, I picked Johnny and Kelly up for the Mesa State game. Mesa State College is our local college. They have a well-ranked RMAC football team and an incredible, nationally ranked baseball team. Johnny and I attend the Mesa State games as often as possible. It's wonderful entertainment for the price! Plus, what a better way to spend time with your kid? A football/baseball game, a couple of hot dogs, and quality time together! This football game was a little different. Mommy decided to come along! What a surprise. Other than the Broncos' games, Kelly has never attended a sporting event with Johnny and I. Just a night to hang out with the boys. Mesa State would go on to beat Fort Lewis by 35 points.

SUNDAY

Johnny and I would wake up early Sunday morning. We had big plans. The two of us had been planning to go to the Air Show for about 2 weeks now. My father used to take me to the air shows when I was a child. I think all little boys like Fighter Planes. Hell, I'm an adult and I still dig them. They're kind of like sports cars, but they carry bombs, missiles, and some can fly at two times the speed of sound. I dig fast cars, too.

I grew up in the Top Gun era. I wanted to be an F-14A pilot as a kid. I still do. I can walk into any arcade these days and still kick any kids ass on any flight simulator game! I've logged more flight hours on video games than most pilots log in real life.

The day would start out pretty slow. The gates opened at 9:00AM. We wanted to get good seats, so we showed up at 8:55AM. What a mistake! Nobody told us that the Air Show would start until noon! Hell, the Broncos were playing Kansas City at 11:15AM (no big stroke...they got their asses kicked).

Johnny and I spent the first three hours looking at airplanes, with a little pre-show action in between. Although I grew up in the "Jet Age", my favorite plane of all time is the P-51 Mustang. They had a beautiful restored P-51 in the viewing area. Chuck Yeager flew a P-51. He was my childhood hero. His autobiography was the very first real book I ever read.

Pre-Show would continue with more WWII era planes. Johnny was starting to get bored. We walked around the booths a little longer and stopped for a hot dog. We ran into a few old friends and stopped to chat. We were getting ready to pack it in, when all of a sudden a Mig 17 screamed over our head. Finally some loud planes that flew fast! Johnny's enthusiasm for the air show became a little greater.

This Mig 17 is one of two remaining in the world. Notice the rear seat? Mig 17's are a dime a dozen. But a two-seater is a different story. Mayor Gregg Palmer would fly in this plane on Friday afternoon. Gregg is Kelly's boss. Although the top speed of this plane is nothing compared to the fighter planes of today, I bet it was an absolute blast to fly shotgun.

The highlight of the Pre-Show was the Jet Powered Chevy Truck. What a red-neck event. But, I will be the first to admit...this was pretty cool. The truck was powered by 2 Pratt-Whitney Jet Engines, with a top speed of about 500 MPH. Matter of fact, in a race between the Mig 17 and the Jet Truck, the truck came out ahead by a long shot.

Finally some action! As 12:00PM approached, the jets finally took to the air. The airshow started with a fly-by of the F15 at almost 1,000 MPH. Pretty incredible for a 6 year old. Because the F16 came in from behind, it took the crowd by surprise. Johnny was now having a little fun.

We received a phone call from my friend Seth at about 12:30PM to join his family in the VIP section. Not a bad deal since he had all of his children with him. Johnny and Seth's son Tony have played together in the past, so at least the boys had each other to keep busy.

Johnny and Tony

The boys played for a while. I really am glad that Seth invited us over. Johnny was starting to get bored and I would have hated to leave without seeing the Blue Angels. I was pretty sure that he would enjoy seeing them fly.

Finally...at about 2:00PM, the Blue Angels took to the sky. I've seen these guys fly since I was a child. I can remember watching them at El Toro Air Station, when the US Navy was still using the F-4 Phantom. Nowadays, the Navy uses the F-18 Hornet. Without watching them in person, you'd never realize how dangerously close together they fly...and, how low to the ground they get!

We finally left the Air Show at about 5:00PM and met Mommy for dinner. What a fun-filled day. Here are a few more photographs for you to enjoy.

Seth's son Tony, looking all crazy!

Johnny and Daddy

Johnny preparing for the Blue Angel's lift-off

Seth's other son Jake

Hot chick in the viewing area

PEEK-A-BOO

2008-09-27T16:10:00.001-06:00

Baby Zoe during her visit to Uncie John's office

Fresh Haircut

2008-09-27T09:48:00.003-06:00

The Word

2008-09-26T17:49:00.001-06:00

What to say? What to say?

2008-09-26T16:58:00.002-06:00

Another long week, full of ups and downs. Some good. Some bad.

Johnny received his school photos back from the photographers. Thank God that he smiled. I didn't want to go through last year's Mommy Meltdown again. Holy crap...Kelly wasn't at all happy that he didn't smile last year. So, needless to say, it's a very good thing that he smiled.

1st Grade

Kindergarten

We have a pretty full weekend, so I'll have lots of photos and writing to post on Monday (maybe Sunday, depending on the work-load Kelly has for me).

Have a nice weekend

FRIDAY NIGHT

2008-09-19T19:35:00.004-06:00

Another late night in the office. It's now going on 7:44PM. I got to work this morning at 7:00AM to prepare for my manager's meeting (Financials & Quarterlies...ugh!). So, as Kelly would say, "I figured as much...I'll see you when you decide to come home". Why the hell would anyone put themselves through this shit? I tell you what...it's pretty hard to walk away from this job if you saw my YTD Gross Earnings. I say "Gross", because the Feds have beat the shit out of me so far this year ($4,150.39 on this check alone!).

Well, shit...I better get going. I still have a pile of paperwork to go through before my Quarterly Review on Monday.

I hope I still have a job on Tuesday.

Tuesday Morning

2008-09-16T09:16:00.013-06:00

Well, do I really need to let you know how my week has gone? I bet you can guess...I've been incredibly busy. But, when am I not busy? After taking a few days off with Dad's visit, I found myself four days behind, with twice as much work to do (Gilmer had to go out of town for a few days). Here it is, a week later, and I'm now just getting caught up! Whew!

And, of course, this week is already flying by and I still have a mountain of work to plough through. So, with that said, we're just going to post photos of my "Week in Review".

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Haven't shaved in four days...lookin' a bit rough.

Half-way through

Sqeaky Clean

On my way to the office. Man, I love Sweater Vests!

Ah, shit...look at this work load! I count 3 cups of coffee.

Late night dinner...a cold beer, waiting for my take-out.
If you've never eaten the Works Burger at Weaver's, you're missing out. The Best burger in town.

Hilarious photograph that Dirk gave me.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Pesky fly on my newspaper!

Mandy cutting Kelly's hair.

Fresh Haircut and lookin' hot!

Quick nose-pick before Swim Lessons start.

Lookin' tired after swimming for 30 minutes. That's tough work!

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

WORK, WORK, WORK
(a few staff meetings in between)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 (YEA!!!!!)

On my way to meet Johnny and Robert for 18 holes

Johnny and Daddy enjoying a moment

Robert shanked this one. Where'd the ball go?

Daddy and Johnny enjoying another moment

Man, we're two good looking guys!

Johnny's new Driver Sock

What a nasty shot...I would Bogey this hole

Chocolate cookies always taste better on the Golf Course

Missed a few spots cleaning his face

I shock myself with how good looking I am.

Ethan's Birthday Gift (The Broncos won Sunday)

September 11, 2001

2008-09-11T13:48:00.011-06:00

I was getting ready for work on the morning of September 11, 2001. Kelly was upstairs and I was downstairs. While I was shaving, Kelly screamed down to me that an airplane had just slammed into the side of the World Trade Center in New York City. No big deal, I thought. In 1939 an airplane had crashed into the side of the Empire State Building. About ten minutes later, another airplane slammed into the side of the World Trade Center. Something was horribly wrong. For the next four hours, I would be glued to the television. My boss wasn't mad at me for coming in late to work. Matter of fact, he was late too. All of our staff was late.

Flashback to 20 years ago:

My father had taken us kids to the top of the World Trade Center when we moved to New York. I remember how high in the air we were. When nobody was looking, I tossed a handful of coins over the edge. Rumor has it that if a penny were to land on your head from 100 stories above, it will kill you. It doesn't work. There were pennies all over the sidewalk below...and, nobody was dead.

Flash-forward twenty years:

My father made a comment a couple of days ago about how scared the folks on the Observation Deck must have been. I say "Folks" as a generic term. These were children, fathers, and mothers. They were stranded on the top floor, watching these commercial airliners slam into the side of the building, knowing that they couldn't get down. They knew they were going to die. Thousands of people everyday visited the World Trade Center. There was a Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum on the top floor. I know. I've been there. It was filled with children Johnny's age. There were adults mine and Kelly's age.

I would take Kelly and Johnny to New York City in the Spring of 2007. We had a grand ole' time. We visited all of the major attractions. On our last day, we would visit the site where the World Trade Centers used to stand. There is a giant hole in the ground there now. There were many people crying outside the gates. Kelly, if I remember correctly, started crying.

I think there were a total of 6,000+ innocent people killed in the World Trade Center attacks. These weren't just people. They were people like you and me. They were children, just like our own. Remember that. I took my family to New York, knowing we were safe from any terrorist attack. The folks in 2001 took their families to New York City thinking they were safe from terrorist attacks, too. Same with all of the folks in Northern Ireland over the last thirty years. Also, the folks that took their families to Kenya, Indonesia, London, Lebanon, Jerusalem, etc., et al.

On the up-side...here are some photos from our NYC Trip:

This could have been somebody's son, killed on 9/11/01

This could have been somebody's husband and son, killed on 9/11/01

This could have been somebody's wife and son, killed on 9/11/01

This could have been somebody's son, killed on 9/11/01

This could have been somebody's wife and son, killed on 9/11/01

This could have been somebody's son, killed on 9/11/01

You could been standing here on 9/11/01

This could have been somebody's son, killed on 9/11/01

9/11 New Video @ Yahoo! Video

Your Family could have been at the top of this building

Wednesday This Week is my Monday

2008-09-10T13:01:00.002-06:00

Well, as you all know, I managed to get away from the office for a couple of days. What a mistake. I walked in this morning, only to find a mountain of shit sitting on my desk! I have three days to catch up and Gilmer's off for the next five days. So, needless to say, this is going to be a short post.

Today's workload

Back to Idaho he Goes

2008-09-09T10:56:00.011-06:00

I'm horribly depressed today. My father left for Idaho this morning at 5:30AM. I haven't seen my father since April of 2007 and miss him an awful lot. He's really the only person I "connect" to anymore. And, although he only was in Grand Junction for four days, I cherish every minute that we spent together during his very short visit.

I woke up this morning at 2:03AM (damn dogs) and did everything in my power not to wake him up. I had already succeeded in keeping him at my home for another night. Granted he shouldn't be driving in the dark anyway, but I managed to con him into staying another night in Grand Junction. "Honey, don't you need to wake up you Dad," my wife asked me. "Nah...he's pretty tired and could probably use the rest," I responded. I really didn't want him to leave. I've really enjoyed the time that he was in town. I have to think that my sisters agree, too.

I worry about him an awful lot. Isn't that funny? The Son worrying about the Father. He was the one that took care of me when I was younger and, here I am, worrying about his ability to drive in the dark! What a silly way to feel. However, honestly, I do worry about him. My sisters, too. Sissy Tammie (AKA: Mother Bis-natch Mother Hen) worries about his health. I'd like to think that Sisssy Kelly does too. His eye sight is quickly escaping him. He really should have flown into Denver. I thought that was the plan. He could have saved some money doing so. Plus, I would have been more than happy to provide him with a car to drive and would have driven him back to DIA.

Although I loved the time we spent together (especially the fishing), I saw something that made me realize what a wonderful father he really is. Not with myself, but my own son! Let me explain...

My son and I were tossing the football around in the front yard and I was starting to get pretty frustrated that he wouldn't get under the ball to catch it. "Watch the ball and get under it," I would tell Johnny over and over again. I know my father saw my frustration. He immediately came over and tossed the ball with Johnny. Dad started from about a foot away and slowly moved back, tossing the ball as he backed away. Johnny would catch the ball and throw it back to Grandpa. I can vaguely remember my father doing this with me. That's pretty sad that it has taken me 35 years to realize my father was actually a wonderful father! Sure...I'll never forget getting my ass kicked for silly things, but maybe you have to be an adult to realize such little things.

Here's my conversation with Johnny on our way to school:

Johnny: Daddy? Why did Grandpa leave so early?

Daddy: So he could avoid the traffic on the bridge. Are you going to miss Grandpa?

Johnny: No.

Daddy: No?

Johnny: No...I'll see him again soon. He's going to teach me to fish on the river, so I can come with you guys next time.

My father taught me to fish.

I'm going take a nap. I haven't slept well for days. Here are a few photos that I forgot I had in my computer.

We love you and already miss you, Dad

Austin on Tee-Box #2 at Adobe National

What a nice Swing! Just look at his feet...perfect placement!

Valentine's Dinner, 2008

Nuggie at the Nuggets' Game

Great Seats! For the right price, I'll give you my contact's number.

Chef Johnny on Pizza Night

New Emerson, Class of 2007-08

He loves Sushi!

Scientist Johnny at the Science Fair

Easter Sunday, 2008

A cold one before the game

Popcorn lovin' kids

Sissy Kelly, Johnny and Uncle Dirk lookin' all Jacked-up

Great Grandma Wampler and Johnny

Nice form

The Buddy Boyz at the Science Fair

Baby Zoe with Mommy

Grandpa Terry with Zoe

The World's Greatest Uncle!

The World's Bitchiest Auntie!
They're Jap Twins!

Mommy and Johnny after 18 holes

New Emerson, Graduation Day

Uncle Jim, Jap Tammie, and Cody

5'8" Jim, 4'8" Dad, and 10'9" Cody

Dad and Sissy Kelly

Dirk, Chink Baby, Dad, and Chink Mommy

Now, That's Amazing

2008-09-09T08:34:00.002-06:00

Sunday Fishing with Dad

2008-09-07T21:05:00.010-06:00

Dad and I spent the day fishing the East Portal of the Black Canyon National Park. I've been fishing here with my father all of my life. It's probably the most beautiful place I know of. Dad has been gone for a year and four months, so it was nice to hit the water with my fishing partner.

Great stretch of water for trout

The fishing here used to be great. Over the last twelve years, because of the over-fishing, it's not as good as it used to be. Nowadays, if you catch 2 fish, you're doing pretty good. Needless to say, we had a great day of fishing. I think we landed a total of 7 or 8. I caught eight trout (1 rainbow, 2 brownies). Dad, I do believe caught 4 or 5. Catch and release, baby!

This is the first fish I landed...Nice Rainbow

This fish was 20" in length

It was still pretty cold when we arrived. My thermometer only registered 46 degrees. It was easily 5-10 degrees colder on the river. It was so cold that I had to put my jacket on.

By 10:30AM, the temperature had risen 15-20 degrees. I had to shed the jacket.

Holy Shit! I look so old in this pic!

Dad didn't catch anything on this cast, but he did manage to catch a few nice fish. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison River is listed as Gold Medal Waters. There is no bait fishing allowed down there, so you must use either flies or lures. Because you are not able to keep any Rainbow Trout, the fish can get quite big. In April of 1984, I would catch the largest fish that I've ever caught down here (30" Rainbow). I can remember how much the fish scared me. I was only eleven years old.

"One Last Cast"

Dad's 18" Rainbow

Small Town Values

2008-09-06T11:23:00.000-06:00

John McCain: Reformed Maverick

2008-09-06T11:21:00.000-06:00

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM IS SUCH AN ASS

2008-09-06T11:19:00.000-06:00

A Lazy Thursday Afternoon

2008-09-05T17:34:00.009-06:00

Well, I spent the afternoon hanging out by my lonesome. As usual, my Uncle Jim backed out of our Thursday golf game. He is yet to play golf with me. Uncle Jim's been completely consumed by his new home in Fruita, so I don't blame him. I'll tell you what...I did learn how fast one can get through 18 holes with dragging a 6 year old in tow.

Senior Citizens holding me up on #9

What a drive on #16...I would finish with a birdie

After golf, I would go over to Sissy Kelly's house for dinner. Dad's in town for a few days, so we ordered take-out Chinese. I'm not a big fan of Chinese food, so I played with Baby Zoe while everyone ate dinner.

Remember the final scene of "Gladiator"?

When Johnny was a baby, he would smile for no reason whatsoever. He would do this in his sleep. I would spend hours with a camcorder, filming him as he slept, trying to capture his smile.

Dreaming of donuts

I plan on taking a few days off, to spend some time with Daddio. I think we have a few days of fishing planned. I am yet to speak with him today, so who knows what the plan is. I'd like to hit the Gunnison or Colorado River. I've been dying to fish outside of Gypsum. Every time we drive by on our way to Denver, I kick myself for not bringing my fly rod along. I do believe that Uncle Jim is tagging along. He hasn't fished all year. Ever since Dad moved away, neither myself or Uncle Jim fish much. Dad was pretty much the only person I ever fished with. Once Johnny is older, I plan on teaching him how to fish the rivers. He's still too young and small to wade out in the water. The Colorado River is far too fast and deep for a 6 year old.

More to come after the weekend.

Category 5 Shitstorm

2008-09-04T06:09:00.001-06:00

Dick Morris is a Lying Sack of Shit

2008-09-04T06:04:00.001-06:00

More Photos of Zoe

2008-09-01T19:22:00.002-06:00

A few more photographs...this time from Daddy Dirk. Welcom to Fatherhood. Make sure you wear a helmet, jock-strap, cup, face guard, etc, et al.

Welcome to the World

2008-08-30T10:13:00.007-06:00

I'd like to welcome Baby Zoe to the world. We're very please that you could join us.

Zoe Mary Clingman was born on August 30, 2008 at 3:53AM. She weighed 6 pounds and 7.9 ounces.

Uncie John and Zoe...she's a cutie.

After a nice bath

Smiling at Uncie John

Hillary's such the Hottie - Part II

2008-08-28T15:41:00.002-06:00

I don't care what anyone says...I'd vote for her

Media Analysis

2008-08-28T15:24:00.001-06:00

Hillary's Such the Hottie - DNC in Denver

2008-08-28T15:12:00.001-06:00

Sunday Golf with Johnny

2008-08-25T12:22:00.005-06:00

Another great day of golf. As promised, as long as Johnny cleaned his room, I would take him golfing. We played 18 at Chipeta and had a great time. Johnny's game was a little off and he had a hard time from the tee-box.

I'll tell you what, the boy can still put and his chip-shot will rival most golfers. I tell him all time...If you can putt and chip, you'll always win games.

Grandpa tagged along, although he probably should have stayed at home. He's been feeling pretty shitty lately. Kelly's convinced he has a summer cold/flu, but Robert's pretty sure that it's a sinus infection. This illness didn't seem to hinder his golf game. Matter of fact, Robert beat me by 5 strokes (one of the worst games I've played in a long time.

Anyway...it was fun. I hate to lose, but had fun nonetheless. Hopefully the weather will hold up on Thursday so I can play again. And, of course, there's always Sunday. Maybe Kelly will come along this time?

Speaking of Grizzly Man

2008-08-24T12:00:00.001-06:00

The Reunion

2008-08-24T11:50:00.003-06:00

My BFF Mollie posted this video on her space and I was just blown away. I had never seen the video and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I. Grizzly Man should have befriended lions.

Computer's Acting Funny

2008-08-24T09:50:00.000-06:00

My computer is acting funny this morning, so I'm posting via Blackberry.

Kelly and Johnny are at breakfast with her parents. They normally meet every Sunday. This is my opportunity to rest, get some work done, and run my Sunday reports.

Sunday Calender:

1. Let the dogs out and went back to bed (3:37am)
2. Woke up and sat outside with Kelly. We drank coffee on the porch, while the dogs ate their piggy ears.
3. Kelly left for breakfast at 8:00am. Johnny stayed the night at grandma and grandpa's. They're eating at Pufferbelly's. This is their Sunday ritual.
4. Ran my Sunday morning reports for my staff and typed a quick e-mail to Pat Hernandez (my lap-top crapped out, so I hope Pat received my e-mail).
5. Johnny has to clean his room. He's been grounded for the last ten days, so if he does a good job, I'll take him golfing with me today. Kelly and I decided ten days of being grounded was enough for a 6 year old.
6. Kelly and Sissy Kelly are supposed to meet for Lunch and run to Sam's Club. We need dog food and other odds-and-ends.
7. Laundry!!!
8. Loaf on the couch and maybe get in a quick nap.
9. Build on-line ads for Jacob and Saturn.
10. Prepare notes for Monday morning Manager Meeting.
11. I'm sure something else will come up.

My memory is getting pretty bad these days. If I don't build a calender, I tend to forget everything I need to do.

I do need to write my father an e-mail and try to pin-point when he's visiting. I haven't used any vacation this year, so I plan to take some time off to get in some fishing while he's in town. I haven't seen my father in a year and 4 months. I miss him.

Well, shit...time to try jump-starting my lap-top again. I think my calender is going to have to add "buy new lap-top". Yet another expense, in a time when we're trying to cut them down to a minimum. GM's down 9.5 bollion dollars for the year...what's another $1,000?

Have a good day, sports fans.

Photos of Johnny's major ass-kicking in golf to come later today.

Influence

2008-08-21T14:14:00.007-06:00

I've had a lot of influences in my lifetime. Some of these influences would mold me into the person I am today. My stubbornness comes from my father. No argument about that. Maybe my ability to "rock the boat" comes from him, too. Who knows? A large part of Me was shaped by my father. I get an awful lot from him. Maybe too much?

In an earlier post, I had mentioned that I had received an e-mail from my Drama/Speech teacher. I had also mentioned the name "Pat Hernandez" as being an influence in my life. Before I send her a quick e-mail, I figured I would tell you all about her.

Pat Hernandez molded my spiritual person. She was (is) very religious. There's nothing wrong with that. I, myself, am not a very religious person. Agnostic? Probably so. But, religious? Probably not. I do pray every night. This might be surprising to most of you. To whom, I do not know. I don't start my prayers, "Dear God...". If anything, my prayers are largely daily affirmations.

Back to Pat Hernandez...

Pat Hernandez taught Art and English at MacArthur High School. She has a very special place in my heart. To this day, as mentioned above, I do believe that I am the person today partly because of her. She had a difficult task in molding the lives of young people. Don't get me wrong...some of the students loved her classes. I did. Most of her students hated them. Who gives a shit about Walden and a blade of grass? Quite honestly, poetry bores me to death. However, to this day, one of my favorite books is one that Pat encouraged me to read. For you learned folk out there, I'll give you a hint:

A man, possessed by greed, will give up everything to have something that he would eventually throw back into the sea. The book is about greed and how it will destroy you. The protagonist (Kino) will give up his wife (Juana). His child (some Spanish kid) will be killed. His life will be destroyed. And, all for a obsidion-colored item that will garner him nothing. Any ideas? John Steinbeck would write this novel in 1947. This book will rank #2 in my All-Time Favorites.

(My #1 novel of all-time will take place in Dresdan, Germany. John Erwin, my father, and Kelly will figure this one out)

Back to Pat Hernandez...

I would learn to master the art of Silk-Screening from Pat Hernandez. Sure, some t-shirt shops use this technology...but this Art would eventually lead me to where I am today. This Art would land me my first real job. All of the hours that Pat and I would spend under the stairs, burning a screen, would lead me to a career twenty years later. Sounds silly, huh?

At the back of the MHS's Art room would be a cubby under the stairs. This cubby would measure maybe 4 foot wide and 8 foot long. We would pour the emulsion and turn on the ultra-violet light, crossing our fingers that we could draw a squeegee across the screen. 12 minutes later, we would try it out. I bet I was under the stairs with Pat for over a 1,000 in three years time! Under the stairs (and, waiting for the emulsion to dry), we would talk about life and God. Is there a God? Pat believed so. She believed wholeheartedly. I'm not sure if it's name is God, but I believe there is something out there. She would devout so much energy into her beliefs that there must be something out there. Why else would she believe? Maybe there is. Or, maybe there isn't. A lot of kids would think she was a crack-pot. I loved Pat and would hang on every word that she said.

I've learned one thing in my 36 years of life and that is that you must strive to be a good person. Jesus Christ did. Now, I'm not too sure if he was a real man, but he tried to be a good person and he believed that you should do unto others as you would want them to do unto to you (a book would be written about him). This much is common sense. His philosophy is easy to understand and comprehend. You don't have to be religious to understand this. I strive very hard to be a good person every day.

I am not a religious person. Although I've read the Bible, I do believe it is all "stories" and nothing more. The teachings of Jesus are what a person should strive for. You don't have to give him credit. Nobody will fault you. Whether you know his name or not, the Golden Rule is a good rule to live by.

Back to Pat Hernandez...

Pat Hernandez wanted her students to live by this Rule. She preached It every day. Pat wouldn't always mention His name, but she preached it and lived by it. She's a good person. We should all be strive to be good people. We should strive to help one another out. Lend a helping hand, so to speak...without any thought of receiving anything in return. This is very hard to do. I should know. I can be a real asshole sometime. I can be incredibly generous, too. Not very often, but I can. I have.

Pat also taught Shakespeare. Lesson learned: Don't trust anyone named Brute'. Or, Marcus or Brutus, for that matter. And, never trust the Roman Council! They're all back-stabbers!

Welcome to JWOMP, Mrs. Hernandez. We welcome you with open arms and a open heart.

Holy Shit

2008-08-20T19:24:00.000-06:00

Why not another?

2008-08-18T05:49:00.003-06:00

Well, hell...if not one video, why not another. This is Johnny's 2007 Year in Review. Enjoy.

The Lucky Duck

2008-08-18T05:11:00.004-06:00

Johnny and I normally produce our newsletter on a monthly basis. However, this year has been a stretch to get one out. The video is so time consuming. Not only is it hard to come up with enough material to fill 7-10 minutes, but the editing takes forever! The video above took two whole weeks to edit down from over two hours to 7.5 minutes. But, alas, we're still pounding away to get another one out by Christmas. Until then...

Congrats Michael Phelps

2008-08-18T05:01:00.001-06:00

A Day Without Golf

2008-08-17T20:17:00.004-06:00

Well, hell...I'm pretty bummed that Johnny has been a little shit-head lately. Because he's being punished and can't play outside, that meant there was no Sunday golf. So, in rememberence of my golfing days, here are a few photos of days gone by. Enjoy.

A Blast from the Past

2008-08-17T19:49:00.003-06:00

Why, good evening, Sports Fans!

I received a jolt of excitement this evening when I learned that I had mail in my MySpace account. Guess who sent me a short note?

Mrs. Dirickson from MacArthur High School. Who would have thunk it?

For those of you not familiar with Mrs. Dirickson, you have to understand that she molded the minds and personalities of half of the people reading this. For those of you who do know Mrs. D, I have to imagine that you agree with me. The last two years of high school would have been a complete hell if it weren't for her classes. Mrs. Dirickson was one of three individuals that would mold me into the fine young man that I would become (Pat Hernandez and John Erwin would be the other two).

Well, damn it! With this new re-acquaintance, I'm going to have to drag out the old photo albums to post photographs again.

Anyway...more to come tomorrow. Johnny starts 1st grade tomorrow, so I'm sure that I'll have plenty to write in the morning. Plus, it's another dreaded Monday morning and I'm running the show. Thank God I wasn't invited to attend the August Composite Meetings! I feel sorry for Clint...I'm more than certain he'll get his shit kicked in...again.

New Photos

2008-08-15T18:25:00.005-06:00

Sorry, Folks...I've been absolutely swamped with work, so no time write. So, here are a few new photographs for you to enjoy.

Sister Tammie

Traffic into Denver

Mommy and Johnny on the Spider

Mommy and Johnny again

Johnny and Mommy on the Thunder Bolt

Fruit Loops...Breakfast of Champions

POOPED

Chicken Noodle does a body good

The Wampler Family on the Tilt-a-Whirl

Soak and Wet

Holy Crap! Click on the photo...you'll see that Kelly and Johnny are up front

Tiger Woods: Now 100% Black

2008-08-15T16:18:00.000-06:00

He's Rick James, Bitch!

2008-08-15T16:09:00.001-06:00

Week in Review

2008-08-15T15:57:00.001-06:00

John, Juanita, Grandma, and That Damn Dog

2008-08-14T09:26:00.003-06:00

Good morning, Folks --

It's been a few days since I last wrote anything. I've been out of town and still trying to play catch up. Leaving work for a few days, although refreshing, is a headache upon return.

Some of you may know, Kelly and I took Johnny to Denver for a few days before school starts. For those of you reading my mobile journal on Facebook, you know that I absolutely hated it! I was completely miserable for the entire trip. Don't get me wrong...it had nothing to do with getting out of town. Johnny was impossible!

Listen:

Johnny is now 6 years old and stands right 52 inches tall. This is the minimum height requirement for all of the "Big Boy" rides at Elitch Gardens. Well, now that Johnny is a "Big Boy", why not ride the "Big Boy" rides? He's been looking forward to this trip now for three weeks. In a nut-shell, he whined and cried the entire trip. Every ride scared him. Even the small ones! Other than the fact that I had the opportunity to see Sister Tammie and Cody, this trip was a complete waste of $500!

Note to self: Do not plan another trip like this without Austin or Robert.

Walking into the office on Tuesday was a nightmare. I left Gilmer a list of work that needed to get done while I was gone. I was relying on him to get this list of To-Do's done so I wouldn't have to return to a mountain of shit. Can you believe it? Not a fucking item was completed! So, what to do? What to do? It was my intention to fire him yesterday, but decided against it. I had a very long discussion with him yesterday and made it very clear that if things don't change (and, fast) that he's going to have to find another career. I did this job for six years by myself and I can do it again. I don't want to, but I will. So, as usual, I went in to the office at 7:15AM yesterday only to get home at 9:00PM. Another day. Another dollar.

Now, I did receive a photograph in my In-Box that made my day. My old friend Samantha Miller had posted a photograph in her MySpace that she had taken a little over a year ago at her Grandmother's house. In March of 2007, Samantha's Aunt Deanna had passed away. Without hesitation, I boarded a plane back to Oklahoma to attend the funeral and help out her family. You have to remember, Samantha's family is like my very own. These are people that opened their home to me and treated me like I was their own blood.

I still speak to Samantha's mother quite often...at least once a month. Although our relationship started off a little rocky, it would eventually evolve into a mother-son relationship. To this day, I still love her as if she were my very own mother. Juanita Brown is her name. She has been widowed twice now. I knew her when she was still married to Joe Miller and General Charles P. Brown. Both men are now dead. Juanita now lives on her own in General Brown's home.

Juanita Miller is a wonderful woman. She's a holy-roller, but I don't fault her for her beliefs. I find a little comical. She's the only person I've ever met that has a birthday party on Christmas Day for Jesus Christ. She's very active with her church, attending twice on Sunday and a visit on Wednesday. "John, has you found a nice church for your family yet," she asks me on every phone call.

Grandma, or Willie as she's known by her friends, is about to celebrate her 98th birthday. God love the woman. She's a hoot and strong as a ox. You'd think she was only twenty-one. So full of life and love. Also a holy-roller. Again, I do not fault her in her beliefs.

I will love the two of these women for as long as I live.

Thursday Update:

Johnny and I will be spending the day at home. He's been a pretty bad boy for the last 48 hours. Mommy finally lost her cool last night and went crazy. I did, too. Until last night, I bet it's been at least three years since Johnny received a spanking. Kids will be kids. Being disrespectful to his mother or grandmother will not be tolerated. So, because of last night's actions, Johnny will be spending the day cleaning his toys and room. No playing. No golf. No Banana's.

Kelly's taking it pretty hard. I understand that she's upset and frustrated. Being a mommy isn't easy. And, me being away from home so often doesn't help her situation either. So, needless to say, I will be getting some much-needed yard work done.

Here's my itinerary for the day:

Yard Work
Oil Change for Kelly's Car
Hair Cut at 2:30PM

More Yard Work

Have a wonderful day.

Matt Damon

2008-08-09T17:11:00.001-06:00

I've been watching the Bourne Series, so I found this funny. Enjoy.

Welcome Out-of-Towners II

2008-08-09T05:14:00.007-06:00

I had mentioned on July 22 that I had no photograph of an old friend of mine Shannon Zura. My sister Tammie had read this comment and dug up a few for me to post here.

If I remember correctly, Tammie was visiting me while I was attending college in Oklahoma. She was currently in high school and taking a photography class. Tammie had taken these two photographs and developed the film herself. I have an over-exposed copy of Photograph #1.

In this photograph are Bert Ballou, Shannon Zura, and Tammie is up front. I was living with Bert Ballou at the time. This photograph would have been taken in 1995. I had just returned from BTF and the Drama League. Bert had a nice condo. Besides Bert and I, we also had Tanja Rice and some other chick living with us (I can't remember her name). I'm not too sure what ever happened to Bert Ballou. I've tried looking him up on MySpace and Facebook, with no results. The last I heard of Bert, he was working for some theatre in Oklahoma City. So, with that said, if anyone reading this knows of his whereabouts, please let me know. I'd love to get in touch with him.

Shannon Zura and Bert Ballou 1995

Shannon Zura, as you all very well know, currently works at the University of Southern Maine as a professor of Stage/Lighting design. Shannon's a great gal...at least she used to be. I have to imagine she still is. Shannon was as genuine as anyone could be. No frills. No bull-shit. What you see is what you get. Shannon and I attended college together. We studied Theatre Arts together.

UPDATE

Reggie Choquette is moving to Las Vegas this weekend. I am so excited! I haven't seen Reg since 1994 when he visited me while I was working for the Drama League. We've stayed in touch over the years (off and on). Now that he's only going to be 7 hours away, we will be sure to see each other again. Plus, going to visit Las Vegas is a great excuse to take off and see him. I love Las Vegas! I'm not too sure what he's doing in Las Vegas. I have to imagine that he found employment at one of the casinos. He's been working as a black jack dealer in Tennessee for the last year or so.

Well, we're off to Elitch Gardens tomorrow. And, like all of the years past, it will rain this weekend.

Listen:

Kelly and I have been taking Johnny to Elitch Gardens for the last six years and every year that we take him, it rains.

Johnny's first trip to Elitch Gardens

Elitch Gardens is part of the Six Flags' chain. I'm not too fond of the crowds, but I do enjoy the rides. This year will be different. The minimum height requirement for most of the rides is 48". This year, Johnny will be able to ride all but one ride (he's now 52" tall!). He's so excited that he can hardly contain himself! This reminds me of an incident when we last visited New York. Johnny was so excited to visit the Empire State Building, and after standing in line for 2 hours, once we got to the top he just broke down crying with joy. Poor kid. I'll make sure to post plenty of photographs from our trip.

This is a pretty short trip that we're taking. Just two days. We plan on spending Sunday at Elitch Gardens, with day 2 at the Water Park. This all depends on the weather. Who knows? Because of the weather, we may end up at the Natural History Museum or Denver Art Museum. Barb Brady was able to score me a sweet deal at the Staybridge Suites ($159 for $300 suites), so there will be no need for us to stay with Sister Tammie, although we will end up visiting. Kelly's never seen Tammie and Cody's new house or hard-wood floors. Tammie doesn't live too far from Park Meadows, so I'm sure we'll go over and raid the fridge.

Anyway...Time to start getting for work. The A-Team is attending Kent Bozarth's wedding this weekend, so I'm running the show today. Oy...

The Week in Review

2008-08-09T05:04:00.001-06:00

Friday Afternoon

2008-08-08T12:59:00.008-06:00

Another day. Another dollar. That's what they say. Who "they" are, I'm not too sure.

Unlike most of the American working population, I can't stand Friday. For me, "TGIF" has no meaning. Between meetings and phone calls, Friday is normally my busiest day of the week. Plus, Friday is usually a downer because I had the opportunity to relax on Thursday...although I'm not too sure if "relax" is the right word. If anything, Thursday means that I don't have to wear a shirt & tie and I can work half the day from my kitchen table. Although I am officially off on Thursdays, I spend the majority of the day working.

Notice all of the quotation marks in the top two paragraphs?

I make the comments above with yesterday not being a typical Thursday. I really did spend the majority of the day relaxing. Here's how my day went:

After taking Kelly to work, Johnny and I spent a couple of hours at the office. I had a few odds-and-ends that I had to get done, although I should have finished them on Wednesday. Afterwards, Johnny and I would head home to enjoy a quick movie. We watched The Empire Strikes Back for the 250th time.

After the movie, Johnny and I would enjoy lunch at Weaver's Tavern. Johnny had the Soup & Salad and I would have my norm (Hot Turkey Sandwich with Cheddar). The lunch, as usual, was excellent. I've been eating lunch at Weaver's for about seven years now. They make the best burger in town!

After lunch, we spent two hours at Banana's Fun Park playing video games. It's incredible how much money one can spend with a 6-year old kid. Take Socom 7...The game takes 3 quarters to start, with each continuation costing another $0.75. Between the two of us, that's a $1.50 just to play. Now I've been playing video games all of my life so I've become quite good over the years.

Listen:

Through 4 levels of Socom 7, I will spend a total $2.25 to win. With Johnny playing, our total bill to finish the game is upwards $10.00. Plus, with all of the other games that he chooses to play, a couple of hours at Banana's is a $40.00! The kid either needs to get better at video games or he needs to get a job to support his activities. Don't let me get started on Chucky Cheese (Where a Kid can be a Kid and suck their parents dry!).

After the video games, Johnny and I would spend yet another lazy afternoon at home watching yet another episode of Star Wars. This second time around we watched The Phantom Menace. I took a cat-nap on the couch while Johnny played alongside the movie, blasting invisible bad guys.

Kelly got off work at 5:00PM. After navigating through all of the construction in downtown, Kelly jumped into the car and we went to dinner. Red Robin normally hits the spot, but this time around, it just didn't do it for me. I always order the same thing...5-Alarm Burger with Fries. For the first time in 4 years, I left Red Robin unsatisfied. What the hell is wrong with me? Maybe I need to expand my meal-horizons....

I'm pretty predictable in my meal choices. Half of the time, when we go out to eat, I don't even have to order! The waitress already knows what I plan on eating. Here's my menu choices for our "regulars":

Dos Hombres - Dos Cheese Burger with Fries
Red Robin - 5-Alarm Burger

Fiesta Guadalajara - Pescado Derado
WW Peppers - Sirloin (Rare) with Baked Potato

Texas Roadhouse - Sirloin (Rare) with Baked Potato

Pufferbelly's - Biscuit Supreme
Crystal Cafe - Eggs Benedict

Weaver's Tavern - Hot Turkey Sandwich

Suihiro's - Sushi Boat, with Dragon Roll and Dynamite Shrimp

Chili's - Mushroom Swiss Burger

In most cases, by the time I arrive, the waiter/waitress has already placed my order, including drink. We frequent all of the above establishments on a regular basis. The waitstaff know us and we know them. Hell, at Fiesta Guadalajara, the owner comes out and sits with us! We really need to start eating at home more often.

Well, shit...Sissy Kelly just walked in so I'm going to chat with her.

Talk at ya' later.

Best of Stewie

2008-08-08T06:36:00.001-06:00

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Don't Fear the Reaper

2008-08-08T06:13:00.000-06:00

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Paris Hilton responds to McCain

2008-08-08T05:32:00.002-06:00

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Adfunny videosFunnyOrDie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

David Gregory - Killing Time

2008-08-08T05:32:00.001-06:00

Save up to $0.12 a Gallon

2008-08-06T05:07:00.002-06:00

Canton, Kansas is Still a Shit-Hole

2008-08-06T05:03:00.000-06:00

Samantha Bee...Honk, Honk

2008-08-06T04:58:00.001-06:00

Horizon vs. Timetable

2008-08-06T04:44:00.000-06:00

Don't Like It? Don't Read It.

2008-08-05T10:07:00.003-06:00

I've thought long and hard about today's post. Should I offend or should I be sensitive to other's feelings.

It has come to my attention that this little site has managed to piss off a few of you readers. No reason to mention names. For those of you not familiar with what I'm talking about, let me give you the scenario. I recently sent a link to The Lucky Duck to several people, which Johnny had posted this blog as a favorite. Some of you chose to start reading, not knowing what to expect. And, Bam! Right there, for the whole world to read and see, were my thoughts, feelings, pics, and movies. Some nice and some not nice at all.

Listen:

I have never claimed to be likable. I have never claimed to be nice. I have never claimed to be funny or clever. I will be the first to admit that most people think I am an asshole, as well as conceited and a snob. I am smarter than the average Joe and better looking than the folks that live under the bridge. I smoke too much. I drink too much. And, I have a horrible addiction to caffeine. Get the picture?

Lets do us all a favor. If you are at all offended at what I have to say or write in this blog, go over to your "Favorites" tab and delete JWOMP. It's that simple. That's the beauty of being able to make your own decisions (for those of you who can). So, you can either choose to read this or choose not to read this. It is that simple.

For those of you who care, I hope you have a nice day. For those of you who don't, well, kiss my ass. Oh...I hope you have a nice day, too.

The Race Genie

2008-08-05T10:01:00.001-06:00

Monday Morning

2008-08-04T08:40:00.003-06:00

Well, it's another busy Monday. I started work a little late today. Normally I would turn on my laptop when I let the dogs out to go potty, but I just didn't feel like it today. First of all, it didn't help that Parker and Daisy woke me up at 2:54AM. That's almost an hour earlier than usual. I finally got out of bed right at 5:35AM and started my day.

We really didn't do much all weekend. We've been pretty lazy. I left work very late on Saturday night and met Kelly & Johnny at WW Peppers for a late dinner. Johnny and I shared the Steak and Shrimp, with Kelly just ordering the Shrimp. We've been eating at WW Peppers for ten years now and it is my favorite place to eat. Their Chimichangas are to die for and they make the best steak in town. A little pricey on steaks, but overall a good value.

Sunday was a hum-drum day, with our day not even starting until almost 11:00AM! Robert and Debbie weren't around for breakfast, so the three of us decided to be bums. I managed to finally cut down the weeds out back. They were getting out of control (some as tall as 48" tall). Afterwards, we ran off to Chili's to meet Sister Kelly for an early lunch. Sissy's doing well for herself. Kelly looks like she's about 9 years preggo. But, her spirits were high and delighted us with some good conversation. Dirk was working, so Sissy was riding solo.

After lunch and a short trip to Target, I treated Kelly and Johnny to a quick 18 of miniature golf at Banana's. Unfortunately, and I hate to admit this, Kelly beat me by 7 strokes. I think she was cheating. Actually, although putting is my strongest part of the game, I'm horrible at miniature golf. I have a wonderful putter that I've grown accustomed over the years and placing a rubber putter from Banana's in my hands just doesn't work for me. Now, if I could bring along my putter, I could rule the miniature course!

Speaking of putters...We did take a quick trip to Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods to look at backpacks for Johnny. So, while Johnny and Kelly looked downstairs, I made my way to the golf section. They have Ping Putters on clearance for $29.99. That's $70.00 off! I'm heading back on Thursday to pick one up, as well as a Taylormade 62 degree Gap/Lob Wedge ($49.99).

Anyway...back to work I go. I have a couple of appointments to tend to this morning, with a conference call at 1:00PM with the Insignia Group. I also have to give Erika Jones at Autotrader.com a call. We're expanding our contract, so I have to get that all finalized. We pay them a shit-pot of money per month and now we're going up another $6,200/mos. That's $91,200 a year! Right now, as it stands, our R.O.I. is breaking even at that number. Needless to say, our profits must increase at 62% to see the R.O.I. that we're getting now. 10-12% increase is manageable. 62% in unrealistic.

Have a great day.

Week in Review

2008-08-02T09:36:00.001-06:00

This Explains it All

2008-08-02T09:31:00.002-06:00

Dick Move of the Week

2008-08-02T09:31:00.001-06:00

Busy Weekend

2008-08-02T09:09:00.009-06:00

I have a very busy weekend ahead of me, so I'll keep this post very short. Enjoy the week in photographs.

Johnny with his camera.

Kenny and Mike watching TV

Kiki at Porter's wedding

Macy at Porter's wedding

Pre-Dentist visit

During the Dentist visit

Post-Dentist visit

Feelin' Better

Fish Tank

Canton, Kansas...what a Shit Hole

2008-07-31T07:35:00.006-06:00

I've been to Canton, Kansas. What a shit hole. Canton, Georgia isn't any better.

Bison Statue

Cold & Hot Water Towers

Entering Town

Leaving Town

I like Donuts

OMG

2008-07-30T14:42:00.001-06:00

When Keeping it Real goes Wrong

2008-07-30T14:36:00.001-06:00

Wednesday Morning Coffee

2008-07-30T12:20:00.003-06:00

Well, it was another relaxing morning with the family. Kelly left the house this morning at 5:26AM for her morning walk with Daisy. Parker and I stayed home to enjoy the morning breeze. Although the weather has been reaching the 100 degree mark, the mornings are quite nice (about 65 degrees). Kelly's walk was 4 minutes fast this morning...normally right at 30 minutes for 2 miles. Today she was back in exactly 26 minutes.

With coffee poured, Kelly and I were able to enjoy about 15 minutes of "our time" when Johnny decided to get out of bed. He normally gets out of bed at 6:45AM, but for the last two days he's been up by 6:15AM. He claims that he's been up since 4:00AM, but I know that's not true. I let the dogs out at 4:07AM every morning. Now that Parker is part of the family, I've made a habit of checking the house for poop and pee after I let him out. That includes Johnny's room (he's sound asleep).

Anyway...Johnny made his way outside this morning at 6:15AM and enjoyed the morning with us. He has his own lawn chair so he can sit with Mommy and I. Kelly and I invited Johnny in on our conversation this morning and really enjoyed ourselves. We talked about birds, the earth's atmosphere, and watched Daisy and Parker eat their morning snacks.

I would have to call the morning short at 6:45AM to jump in the shower and do my morning ironing. I have a ritual I follow every morning and ironing my dress shirt is my favorite part of it. I find it therapeutic.

Johnny and I left the house at 7:44AM for Summer Camp. Today is his last day. He's pretty glad that it's over with. Summer Camp has been a bust. Johnny's been bored to death all summer. Since school doesn't start until August 18, he will spend the next two weeks with Grandma on Tuesday and Wednesday. That's just fine by him. Grandma and Johnny get along pretty good. They have a lot of fun together, watching movies and playing Pokemon. They occasionally sword fight, but with Grandma's surgery on her wrists, I'm not too sure if there will be much of that going on.

Have a nice day.

Indecision 2008

2008-07-30T09:42:00.001-06:00

Forgot how much I love this song

2008-07-29T16:10:00.001-06:00

Hey Bulldog @ Yahoo! Video

Man, I miss this Show

2008-07-29T13:56:00.001-06:00

Mo' Money, Mo' Problem

2008-07-29T09:20:00.001-06:00

Don't Ask Don't Tell

2008-07-29T09:05:00.001-06:00

What a Long Weekend

2008-07-26T05:01:00.007-06:00

Okay...Now that the weekend is over and done with, I can get back to daily life. What a long weekend it was. My weekend started on Thursday and ran all the way through Monday night. We'll go through this day by day.

Thursday

The Losers

Kelly decided to take the day off and spend it with the boys. So, we called up Johnny's cousin Austin to fit in a quick game of golf. Kelly and Austin decided that they, in their pursuit of golf superiority, would take on Johnny and I. Collectively, Austin and Kelly have played golf a total of 7 times. Sure, Austin and Kelly play well enough...if they were playing against blind midgets. Johnny and I decided that our team name would be "The Winners". This name I thought would be fitting, since we were going to kick the holy crap out of them. So, with that said, we aptly named Kelly and Austin's team "The Losers". When in fact, we should have named them "We Got our Asses Kicked so Bad and Cried Like big Wusses!". Through the first two holes, Johnny and I allowed them to stay within 3 strokes. After we arrived at the third tee-box, Johnny and I rolled up our sleeves and let loose. 3 strokes by 2, 21 strokes by 9. Holy crap. I was embarrassed for them. I mean, there were people watching! What will the neighbors think?

Kelly actually missed the putt

Thank you to the fine folks of Chipeta Golf Course for providing the box of Band-Aids for Kelly and Austin's massive ass kicking.

Austin driving the ball on #2

After the blood bath, Kelly and I treated the boys to Fiesta for dinner.

Johnny and Austin at Fiesta

I really can't stand Mexican Food

Friday

Mike and Becky Porter...the newlyweds

I have to cover Matt's job for the next two days, as well as worry about coverage on the floor and my own job. Again, I am stuck with my job and everyone else's. Some people say it's confidence in my ability to assist in other departments...I call it a curse. When I was hired, I was trained in every aspect of day-to-day operations of this company. I am able to fill in for every department. If Mark's gone, I can place orders. If Matt's gone, I can pencil the desk. If Scott or Seth's gone, I can cover the Finance Office. That's not fair for me to complain. This company has been very good to me and my family. I've said it once before and I will say it again...that's why they pay me the big bucks.

Saturday

I would get in the office right at 6:30AM and hope that I can get out of here by 6:00PM. Are you kidding me? When was the last time you saw me get out of the office on time? I would leave the office at 7:45PM, just to miss the entire wedding. We stuck around the reception for about an hour. Seth, Gilmer and I (wives included) would end up at Dolce Vita at 8:30PM and close the place down.

Before we were kicked out

Karen and Kelly

Krissy, our waitress

We had a lot of fun. Just to start all over again on Monday.

Terry Tate: Office Linebacker

2008-07-25T16:50:00.003-06:00

I laugh my ass off every time I watch this clip.

Terry Tate " LineBacker" Better get the job done right! @ Yahoo! Video

That's Scary

2008-07-25T09:18:00.003-06:00

Charlie and Mollie just returned home from their trip to Salida. She's posted several photos to her blog, including a photograph that looks very similar to one I took. The Photo above is mine and the photo below is Mollie's. We must have been thinking on the exact same wavelength. Ohhhh...Scary.

Obama Quest - Berlin

2008-07-25T05:49:00.000-06:00

Thursday Morning

2008-07-24T10:49:00.008-06:00

The dogs woke me up pretty early this morning. After working for two hours, I finally got Kelly out of bed at 5:00AM for her morning walk. Kelly took Parker for the first time today...normally it would only be Daisy. I guess the walk was a bit much for Parker. Two miles out, two miles in. Sure the puppy has lots of energy, but two miles of straight walking was way too much. I guess Kelly had to carry Parker for the second half. Parker was so pooped this morning after his walk that he barely had the energy to harass Daisy.

Between 5:30AM and 6:45AM are my favorite part of the day. Upon returning from her morning walk, Kelly and I sit on the front porch every morning and spend the time talking. Because of the long hours I work, the mornings are the only time I really ever see my wife. We drink our coffee and discuss yesterday's events, just enjoying our time together. I drink my coffee black, as where Kelly takes her coffee with International Delights' French Vanilla. We'll go through an entire pot in about an hour or so. We normally head inside when Johnny wakes up.

We did have some family plans made for the day, but that idea has been shot down. Kelly had taken the day off to spend some time with Johnny and I, but has been called in to work. I guess Mayor Palmer didn't take into account when he made out schedules that he had absolutely no coverage for lunches! Our plans today consisted of the Mesa County Fair and a round of golf. Sound easy enough to accomplish? Well, Kelly also scheduled a haircut for herself, Daisy to the groomers, and Parker to the vet. So, here's the plan: Johnny and I are going to loaf, watch movies, go to the Fair, pick Parker and Daisy up, pick Austin up at 4:00PM and meet Kelly at the golf course later in the evening (twilight rates after 3:30PM).

This morning...the sun's breaking the horizon

I mentioned "picking Austin up"...Austin is Johnny's older cousin. He's now ten years old. What a great kid. Sure, like most pre-teens, he's an absolute mess and full of problems. But, at heart, he's a good kid and means no harm. I love Austin as if he were my own son. I watched the kid grow up.

His father doesn't take him golfing...or play baseball with him...or take him fishing...or...or...well, shit, his father doesn't do anything with Austin. Austin's situation with his father is a sore spot with me. Jason, Kelly's brother and Austin's dad, is a horrible father. Sure, that's my opinion, but he is. The man does absolutely nothing with his children. His new wife is just as bad. That's a shame because he has two wonderful kids and a spoiled little bitch. My father spent so little time at home when I was a kid, but at least he made an effort to do something with his kids (my dad hates crowds and would force himself to take his kids to Disney Land).

Jason has no idea what he's missing out on. Austin's the most athletic person I know. Some people just have that gift. The kid plays basketball, baseball, and could be the next Tiger Woods (12 over from the reds). The poor kid is just dying for some attention from his father. One of these days, Jason's going to wake up and realize that his kids are all grown up and they've learned to hate their father.

Well, hell...time to sit back with Johnny and watch a movie. We're doing Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (it's #3 on my all-time list). More to come this evening.

Obama Quest

2008-07-24T08:19:00.000-06:00

Wednesday Morning

2008-07-23T11:37:00.006-06:00

Well, it's another long day in the office. I've managed to spend the last hour on the phone with my Cars.com rep. What a great gal. Her name is Danielle Constanada. We normally talk on the phone at least once a week. She's an art enthusiast and lives only three blocks from the Chicago Art Institute. Although we discuss business, half of the time we talk about art.

As you can see, I have a full day ahead of me. My calender shows 26 phone calls, 2 conference calls and I have 2 staff meetings to attend. Plus, having to hunt down a couple of commercials to spotlight will take up a few hours. What a day, what a day. The good news is that Gilmer is back to work today. Although Gilmer has a set schedule, like myself, he normally works 10-12 hours a day. That's why we make the big bucks. That's what I tell myself. Other than a new bed, I'm never really home to enjoy any of my earnings. Gilmer's wife is still trying to adjust to the long hours. Don't get me wrong...I'm not a slave driver. He chooses to work the long hours. Sure, there are days that I really need him here for a few extra hours, but I do encourage him to work his schedule and nothing more.

God invented the Blackberry

I received a short e-mail from someone I haven't seen or spoken to in over 20 years. Elizabeth Leeds and I went to Meadowbrook Junior High School together. It's located in East Meadow, New York. I attended 7th grade there. I had a huge crush on her years ago. She's still living on Long Island and runs her own cosmetics & accessories store.

Meadowbrook Junior High School in East Meadow, New York

East Meadow, New York has changed quite a bit. I was floating around Flickr.com and came across a few photographs of how the town has changed. We lived at 9 Atlas Court, which was just around the corner from Modell's Grocery Store. Modell's was recently torn down to make room for a Home Depot. In order to make room for Home Depot, they also tore down Rose's Pizza. They served the best pizza in the world. I would treat my family to Rose's Pizza when we were last in New York (they also have a shop on 31st and 5th Avenue in Manhattan). Yummy.

Modell's Grocery Store Used to be here.

Well, hell...enough screwing around. Time to get back to work. I have a conference call with Autotrader.com in 16 minutes. Talk at ya' later.

Welcome Out-of-Towners

2008-07-22T18:34:00.005-06:00

I recently decided that I was no longer going to send out "Womp's Update" and invited all of my old friends to jwomp. For those of you that currently read the daily blog, I would like to introduce you to some old chums.

SAMANTHA J. MILLER - You already know a little about Samantha. She's my oldest friend. As I posted earlier in the month, she just recently took on a position at the University of Idaho. Samantha and I both attended high school and college together. She holds an MFA from SMU and has worked in every aspect of the professional theatre. She has spent the last year teaching young professionals at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma.

CHRISTY STORCK (STAHL) - Christy is another old friend that I've known for 17 years now. We met each other in high school and, like Samantha, even attended the same college. She has an amazing singing voice. We had a lot of fun in our crazy college days. Christy currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her two sons and husband.

TANJA RICE - Tanja lived four houses down from me in high school. I remember her being very quite as a young lady. Although she just lived down the street, Tanja and I were not friends in our high school years. I was a senior when she was a sophomore. We would eventually become friends in college. We were both Theatre majors and would go on to work together during a few productions. Tanja and I were also roommates at one time. If I remember correctly, we were the only two straight people in that entire house! I've always thought that Tanja is the prettiest gal on the face of the planet. Tanja is a pretty successful Folk Singer in the UK, with all of her upcoming shows already selling out. I've listened to her music on MySpace. You'll have to check it out.

REGGIE CHOQUETTE - Reggie's the wildest and craziest guy I know (or, knew). Although it's been years since I last saw Reg, he's still a very good friend of mine. We've gone through some pretty hard times together. We're both pretty bad about writing or calling. Matter of fact, it seems as if I only call him when I'm out of town. Reg has had a pretty tough last two years. He is now divorced and living in Tennessee.

JIMMIE-KAY WETMORE (ARCHER) - I'm still not too sure how I ever became friends with Jimmie-Kay. She is quite honestly one of the nicest people I've ever met. Why the hell would anyone so kind be friends with me? Come on, lets face it...I'm such an asshole and incredibly conceited (I can admit it). Jimmie-Kay attended college together for a very short time. I only recently was reunited with her through Samantha. Jimmie-Kay resides in Oklahoma with her husband (Kevin) and children. I attended their wedding.

JOHN ADAMS - I think I've known John as long as Samantha. Matter of fact, I think I've known John Adams longer than I've known Samantha. We attended high school together. We were in Pat Hernandez's art class together. Once he graduated, I never saw or heard from him for 17 years. I was ecstatic when I cam across him on the Internet. In school, he was known by all of the band nerds as "John-G". John currently resides in Dallas, Texas (?) and works as a graphic designer.

NO PHOTOS

SHANNON ZURA - Shannon's one of the most incredible people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She's truly unique. He you have a gal that the world told "You Can't". She fights through every roadblock ever put in front of her and screams at the world, "Yes I can!" I met Shannon in college. She was a computer major at the time. Over time, she would eventually cross over to the Dark Side, better known as the Theatre. It's been a long time since I've seen Shannon and I miss her. After graduating from Cameron University, she would go on to earn an MFA from Temple University. Shannon currently resides in Maine and teaches at the University of Southern Maine.

TRACY DAVIS - I met Tracy at Samantha's church camp. Can you see me attending church camp? Anyway, I've known Tracy for 17 years now. Over the years, we've managed to stumble upon one another in one way or another. After high school, we would lose touch for a few years, only to run into one another through Allen Cutler. Again, several years later, over the Internet. Tracy resides in Oklahoma City and is currently pursuing an education in the medical field.

Tired and all out of coffee

2008-07-22T14:24:00.002-06:00

This really is nothing more than an experiment. And, yes, I am tired and I just finished up my coffee. The coffee maker is only about 150 yards from my desk, but I am far too lazy to walk over. Damn it...why does Gilmer have to take Tuesdays off? If he were here, I would have a fresh cup by now. Damn you, Tuesdays!

Another Day, Another Dollar

2008-07-22T08:51:00.005-06:00

I received a wonderful photograph from my good friend, Mollie. This was taken on her way back to Louisiana. I find the photograph a little sad, although there seems to be a hint hope.

Well, today is Tuesday. I work by my lonesome on Tuesday. Gilmer takes the day off so I fly solo. I worked pretty hard to get ahead yesterday, so today should be smooth sailing. I have a pretty busy morning, with three conference calls but nothing much afterwards.

I received a few e-mails from Dad this week. He's giving Kelly and I his big horse out of the gallery. What a nice gift. The horse takes up a footprint of 12 square feet, so we've cleared quite a large space in our television room. I say "television room" when, if fact, there is no TV in the room. I have all of my old paintings hanging on the walls, a air hockey table, an elliptical trainer (aka dry cleaning holder), and my computer desk...that's all that occupies the room. Now a horse will have a new home.

I was pretty busy all day yesterday, so I never had the chance to write yesterday. We had a wonderful weekend. Johnny stayed the night with Grandpa and Grandma on Friday and Saturday night. Don't get me wrong...I love my son and enjoy my time spent with him. However, having two nights at home without the chatter and noise. He's pretty loud at times. Plus, Johnny has designated the kitchen as his basketball court. "Bounce, bounce, bounce" is all you hear from downstairs.

Kelly and I did manage to sneak away for a while to play some golf. She did quite well...for this only being her second time on the course. We won't mention her score on the front 9 (40+ over), but she did squeak out at 14 over on the back nine. I had a horrible game at 6 over!

Well, folks...back to work I go. Have a great day.

My Sisters

2008-07-19T09:37:00.003-06:00

My younger sister Katie will be returning to Grand Junction on Monday, so for those of you who do not know my siblings, I figured I would write a short bio for each of them. For those of you who know the girls, this is your opportunity to find out what each of them is up to.

Kelly Asuka - She's my older sister by a year and three months. She was born on December 27th in Japan. My father was stationed there at the time. I'm probably closer to Sissy Kelly than the rest of my sibs, due to the fact that we are close in age and went to school together. As a child, we moved around so much that Kelly was pretty much my only friend until I was in Junior High School. She currently resides in Grand Junction and is about to give birth to a little girl (Zoey). I think her due date is in August or September. Kelly was re-married a little over a year ago to Dirk Clingman. They met while working in one of the local theatres. Sissy Kelly is the emotional one of the bunch.

Tammie Mariko - Tammie's the middle sister. Tammie is the funniest person I know. Although I am five-and-a-half years older than Tammie, I get along better with her than the rest of the sibs. Our personalities are pretty compatible (I'm an Aries, Tammie's a Scorpio). Tammie was born in Montrose, Colorado in 1978 while Dad was either at OCS or finishing college in Utah. I can't remember. She is married to Cody Hodges. What a funny pair they are. Tammie stands like 4'3" and Cody stands like 7'2". Other than height difference, Tammie and Cody are the most compatible couples I've ever met. They really do mesh well. Who would imagine that? Tammie was such a reckless kid in high school that we were just happy that she graduated. She's turned into quite the successful person. I couldn't tell you too much about her career, but when I say "successful" I mean her life seems to be in order. She's happy with the person she's become and where she's going. I think of the four kids, she's the one that wakes up in the morning and thinks, "what a wonderful day to be alive!" Other than myself, I think Tammie is pleased with every aspect of her life. Tammie is the logical one of the bunch. She's also the neat-freak.

Katie - First of all, let me start off by saying that I have no idea what Katie's middle name is. Isn't that sad? Katie is the youngest of the siblings. I didn't grow up with Katie and was moved out of the house by the time Katie was starting to develop as a person. It's my fault for never really getting to know Katie. Tammie and Kelly both know Katie much better than I. Even when Katie had moved back in with Dad, I didn't go too far out of my way to get to know Katie.

Katie's life has been quite the roller coaster for the last ten years. Her mother and my father had divorced while living in Oregon. Like most children of divorced families, Katie was pulled in every direction. She still is. Katie had moved in with my father after he had moved to Colorado. Katie's mother had a few problems that led to Katie having to move in with Dad (that's a whole other story for another date). Katie's stay in Colorado would last three years (?). In that time, Katie would have a difficult time adjusting to life in general. I think we all go through this stage in life. I did. I can remember being a young adult, thinking What do I want to do with My Life? Where am I going? Katie is now a young adult and I think she lays in bed thinking the same. I feel bad for Katie. She's been in a downward spiral for years and can't seem to find her way back to the top. I've been there and know how she's feeling. She will either choose to snap out of it and move on to life or she'll decide to stay where she is. It's her choice. I chose to have a successful life. She can, too.

As for myself...other than the fact that I spend most of my time at work, I'm pretty pleased with how my life has turned out. I feel that I've been pretty successful in life. And, that has nothing to do with my career. My career is my career. 75% of the time I wake up in the morning thinking to myself, What a Wonderful Day to be Alive! That's a greater percentage than most people...I think. Sure there's a few things I would have done differently as I was growing up...But, I have no regrets in my life. I have a family I love, the love of my family, a roof over their heads, and food in their bellies. What else could you ask for?

Saturday Morning

2008-07-19T09:26:00.001-06:00

Saturday, July 19 - wearing my favorite tie

Friday Afternoon

2008-07-18T15:04:00.005-06:00

Well, another busy Friday. I came in early this morning to get ahead for the weekend, but only halfway through my work-load. My assistant decided to take the day off to spend some time with his younger sister, who is visiting from North Carolina. The last thing I'm going to tell Gilmer is, "No, you can't spend any time with your family". But, at the same time, I really wish I would have told him to stay here at work. I could really use his help right now. Okay...back to work. I still have a mountain of paperwork to comb through, with only 4 hours and 21 minutes to go.

Our new King Size Sleigh Bed

Johnny at Lunch

Morning Coffee

2008-07-16T10:32:00.004-06:00

Man, I love a hot cup of coffee. It always seems to start my day off right. And, to top things off, today is Wednesday. It's my favorite day of the week. Not only is it mark of the mid-week, but it also means that my General Manager is off. Don't get me wrong, Mark's a great guy and wonderful boss, but my day goes smoother when he's out of the office. I meet with him at least twice a day and when he's not here, I can hole myself up in my office and work!

Mark has a pretty amazing background. He graduated from Mesa State College and was immediately drafted into the NFL. He's played for the Buffalo Bills under Jim Kelly and the Denver Broncos under John Elway. After leaving the NFL, he would create a company that would later be re-named Bresnan Communications. After loafing for about five years, he did what every ex-NFL player would do...go into the car business. Although he is the General Manager at this dealership, he is also part-owner and holds a major stake in General Motors. I used to think that Mark was a typical GM that spent most of the time on the phone, but I'll tell you what, he knows the ins-and-outs of the car business. Pretty amazing dude.

If it weren't for Mark, I wouldn't be working here. He's really the only reason I still work here. Not only is he my General Manager, but he's also my friend. He truly cares about my success in this business and cares about my family's. Mark's one of the few people in the world that actually has my home phone number!

Anyway...my schedule today is pretty light. I have two meetings to attend later in the day, with a couple of conference calls. Other than that, not a whole lot more. I busted ass yesterday to get ahead and it paid off. I spent the majority of the afternoon re-designing our web-site and resetting inventory. Take a look: http://www.gmcertified.com/. Looks pretty good, eh?

Cobalt Systems powers my web-site and they went through a major overhaul last month, so the last six month's worth of work was all wasted! I had to start from scratch. What a pain in the ass.

Well, hell...I have a conference call in 13 minutes so I better bring this to an end. Have a great day.

Doomsday Clock

2008-07-15T11:34:00.008-06:00

This is a quick E-mail from my father on July 11, 2008

Hola, Children----

I've been researching things on Google for the last hour or so. Thought I would enlighten you with a few small (BUT IMPORTANT) notes.

***In 1941, Japan received 80% of it's oil from the U.S., and 13% from the Dutch East Indies. On August 1, 1941, the U.S. imposed a total oil embargo on Japan, and the Dutch followed suit at the same time. As Japan had no domestic oil, and only about a year or so of reserves, they could only capitulate to American demands regarding China, or go to war. They chose the latter, and because their oil reserves were so shallow, they had to act swiftly (thus the Pearl Harbor attack). In many ways, the U.S. oil embargo made peaceful relations with Japan impossible, rather than better. But few people discuss the U.S. oil embargo of Japan when talking about WWII or the attack on Pearl Harbor.

***Bush and the U.N. now are escalating tensions with Iran to prevent them from building a nuclear bomb, and I think the possibility of war grows daily. Although the world would surely be safer if the Iranians did NOT have the bomb, consider this: The Israelis, who claim their existence is at stake, have between 100 and 200 atomic weapons themselves (by best estimate). The U.S. now has about 5,000 warheads. So who should feel threatened?! (answer: Iranians).

I mention these things to you just to emphasize that history and news reporting are always skewed and shaded towards the propaganda of the state.

Don't accept the lies!
DAD

I constantly monitor a web-site published by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. The Doomsday Clock conveys how close humanity is to catastrophic destruction--the figurative midnight--and monitors the means humankind could use to obliterate itself. First and foremost, these include nuclear weapons, but they also encompass climate-changing technologies and new developments in the life sciences that could inflict irrevocable harm.

The nuclear age dawned in the 1940s when scientists learned how to release the energy stored within the atom. Immediately, they thought of two potential uses--an unparalleled weapon and a new energy source. The United States built the first atomic bombs during World War II, which they used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Within two decades, Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and France had also established nuclear weapon programs. Since then, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea have built nuclear weapons as well.

For most of the Cold War, overt hostility between the United States and Soviet Union, coupled with their enormous nuclear arsenals, defined the nuclear threat. The U.S. arsenal peaked at about 30,000 warheads in the mid-1960s and the Soviet arsenal at 40,000 warheads in the 1980s, dwarfing all other nuclear weapon states. The scenario for nuclear holocaust was simple: Heightened tensions between the two jittery superpowers would lead to an all-out nuclear exchange. Today, the potential for an accidental or inadvertent nuclear exchange between the United States and Russia remains, with both countries anachronistically maintaining more than 1,000 warheads on high alert, ready to launch within tens of minutes, even though a deliberate attack by Russia or the United States on the other seems improbable.

Unfortunately, however, in a globalized world with porous national borders, rapid communications, and expanded commerce in dual-use technologies, nuclear know-how and materials travel more widely and easily than before--raising the possibility that terrorists could obtain such materials and crudely construct a nuclear device of their own. The materials necessary to construct a bomb pervade the world--in part due to programs initiated by the United States and Soviet Union to spread civilian nuclear power technology and research reactors during the Cold War.

As a result, according to the International Panel on Fissile Materials, substantial quantities of highly enriched uranium, one of the materials necessary for a bomb, remain in more than 40 non-weapon states. Save for Antarctica, every continent contains at least one country with civilian highly enriched uranium. Even with the improvement of nuclear reactor design and international controls provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), proliferation concerns persist, as the components and infrastructure for a civilian nuclear power program can also be used to construct nuclear weapons.

Much of the recent discussions focuses on Iran and its pursuit of a civilian nuclear power capability, but Mohammed ElBaradei, the IAEA director general, estimates that another 20 to 30 countries possess the capabilities, if not the intent, to pursue the bomb. Meanwhile, the original nuclear weapon states (in particular, Britain, France, Russia, and the United States) continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals, with little effort to relinquish these weapons. All of which leads many to believe that the world is embarking on a second nuclear age.

We are currently at 5 Minutes to Mid-Night.

To learn more on the Doomsday Clock, just click here for the PDF: http://thebulletin.metapress.com/content/q9857x714r722857/fulltext.pdf

TIMELINE

IT IS 5 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT2007: The world stands at the brink of a second nuclear age. The United States and Russia remain ready to stage a nuclear attack within minutes, North Korea conducts a nuclear test, and many in the international community worry that Iran plans to acquire the Bomb. Climate change also presents a dire challenge to humanity. Damage to ecosystems is already taking place; flooding, destructive storms, increased drought, and polar ice melt are causing loss of life and property.

IT IS 7 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT2002: Concerns regarding a nuclear terrorist attack underscore the enormous amount of unsecured--and sometimes unaccounted for--weapon-grade nuclear materials located throughout the world. Meanwhile, the United States expresses a desire to design new nuclear weapons, with an emphasis on those able to destroy hardened and deeply buried targets. It also rejects a series of arms control treaties and announces it will withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

IT IS 9 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1998: India and Pakistan stage nuclear weapons tests only three weeks apart. "The tests are a symptom of the failure of the international community to fully commit itself to control the spread of nuclear weapons--and to work toward substantial reductions in the numbers of these weapons," a dismayed Bulletin reports. Russia and the United States continue to serve as poor examples to the rest of the world. Together, they still maintain 7,000 warheads ready to fire at each other within 15 minutes.

IT IS 14 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1995: Hopes for a large post-Cold War peace dividend and a renouncing of nuclear weapons fade. Particularly in the United States, hard-liners seem reluctant to soften their rhetoric or actions, as they claim that a resurgent Russia could provide as much of a threat as the Soviet Union. Such talk slows the rollback in global nuclear forces; more than 40,000 nuclear weapons remain worldwide. There is also concern that terrorists could exploit poorly secured nuclear facilities in the former Soviet Union.

IT IS 17 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1991: With the Cold War officially over, the United States and Russia begin making deep cuts to their nuclear arsenals. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty greatly reduces the number of strategic nuclear weapons deployed by the two former adversaries. Better still, a series of unilateral initiatives remove most of the intercontinental ballistic missiles and bombers in both countries from hair-trigger alert. "The illusion that tens of thousands of nuclear weapons are a guarantor of national security has been stripped away," the Bulletin declares.

IT IS 10 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1990: As one Eastern European country after another (Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania) frees itself from Soviet control, Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev refuses to intervene, halting the ideological battle for Europe and significantly diminishing the risk of all-out nuclear war. In late 1989, the Berlin Wall falls, symbolically ending the Cold War. "Forty-four years after Winston Churchill's 'Iron Curtain' speech, the myth of monolithic communism has been shattered for all to see," the Bulletin proclaims.

IT IS 6 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1988: The United States and Soviet Union sign the historic Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the first agreement to actually ban a whole category of nuclear weapons. The leadership shown by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev makes the treaty a reality, but public opposition to U.S. nuclear weapons in Western Europe inspires it. For years, such intermediate-range missiles had kept Western Europe in the crosshairs of the two superpowers.

IT IS 3 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1984: U.S.-Soviet relations reach their iciest point in decades. Dialogue between the two superpowers virtually stops. "Every channel of communications has been constricted or shut down; every form of contact has been attenuated or cut off. And arms control negotiations have been reduced to a species of propaganda," a concerned Bulletin informs readers. The United States seems to flout the few arms control agreements in place by seeking an expansive, space-based anti-ballistic missile capability, raising worries that a new arms race will begin.

IT IS 4 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1981: The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan hardens the U.S. nuclear posture. Before he leaves office, President Jimmy Carter pulls the United States from the Olympics Games in Moscow and considers ways in which the United States could win a nuclear war. The rhetoric only intensifies with the election of Ronald Reagan as president. Reagan scraps any talk of arms control and proposes that the best way to end the Cold War is for the United States to win it.

IT IS 7 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1980: Thirty-five years after the start of the nuclear age and after some promising disarmament gains, the United States and the Soviet Union still view nuclear weapons as an integral component of their national security. This stalled progress discourages the Bulletin: "[The Soviet Union and United States have] been behaving like what may best be described as 'nucleoholics'--drunks who continue to insist that the drink being consumed is positively 'the last one,' but who can always find a good excuse for 'just one more round.'"

IT IS 9 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1974: South Asia gets the Bomb, as India tests its first nuclear device. And any gains in previous arms control agreements seem like a mirage. The United States and Soviet Union appear to be modernizing their nuclear forces, not reducing them. Thanks to the deployment of multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV), both countries can now load their intercontinental ballistic missiles with more nuclear warheads than before.

IT IS 12 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1972: The United States and Soviet Union attempt to curb the race for nuclear superiority by signing the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. The two treaties force a nuclear parity of sorts. SALT limits the number of ballistic missile launchers either country can possess, and the ABM Treaty stops an arms race in defensive weaponry from developing.

IT IS 10 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1969: Nearly all of the world's nations come together to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The deal is simple--the nuclear weapon states vow to help the treaty's non-nuclear weapon signatories develop nuclear power if they promise to forego producing nuclear weapons. The nuclear weapon states also pledge to abolish their own arsenals when political conditions allow for it. Although Israel, India, and Pakistan refuse to sign the treaty, the Bulletin is cautiously optimistic: "The great powers have made the first step. They must proceed without delay to the next one--the dismantling, gradually, of their own oversized military establishments."

IT IS 7 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1968: Regional wars rage. U.S. involvement in Vietnam intensifies, India and Pakistan battle in 1965, and Israel and its Arab neighbors renew hostilities in 1967. Worse yet, France and China develop nuclear weapons to assert themselves as global players. "There is little reason to feel sanguine about the future of our society on the world scale," the Bulletin laments. "There is a mass revulsion against war, yes; but no sign of conscious intellectual leadership in a rebellion against the deadly heritage of international anarchy."

IT IS 12 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1963: After a decade of almost non-stop nuclear tests, the United States and Soviet Union sign the Partial Test Ban Treaty, which ends all atmospheric nuclear testing. While it does not outlaw underground testing, the treaty represents progress in at least slowing the arms race. It also signals awareness among the Soviets and United States that they need to work together to prevent nuclear annihilation.

IT IS 7 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1960: Political actions belie the tough talk of "massive retaliation." For the first time, the United States and Soviet Union appear eager to avoid direct confrontation in regional conflicts such as the 1956 Egyptian-Israeli dispute. Joint projects that build trust and constructive dialogue between third parties also quell diplomatic hostilities. Scientists initiate many of these measures, helping establish the International Geophysical Year, a series of coordinated, worldwide scientific observations, and the Pugwash Conferences, which allow Soviet and American scientists to interact.

IT IS 2 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1953: After much debate, the United States decides to pursue the hydrogen bomb, a weapon far more powerful than any atomic bomb. In October 1952, the United States tests its first thermonuclear device, obliterating a Pacific Ocean islet in the process; nine months later, the Soviets test an H-bomb of their own. "The hands of the Clock of Doom have moved again," the Bulletin announces. "Only a few more swings of the pendulum, and, from Moscow to Chicago, atomic explosions will strike midnight for Western civilization."

IT IS 3 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1949: The Soviet Union denies it, but in the fall, President Harry Truman tells the American public that the Soviets tested their first nuclear device, officially starting the arms race. "We do not advise Americans that doomsday is near and that they can expect atomic bombs to start falling on their heads a month or year from now," the Bulletin explains. "But we think they have reason to be deeply alarmed and to be prepared for grave decisions."

IT IS 7 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT1947: As the Bulletin evolves from a newsletter into a magazine, the Clock appears on the cover for the first time. It symbolizes the urgency of the nuclear dangers that the magazine's founders--and the broader scientific community--are trying to convey to the public and political leaders around the world.

Sissy Tammie and Work

2008-07-15T10:51:00.005-06:00

The photograph above is of my Sister Tammie and her husband Cody. Tammie's probably the funniest person that I know. She's five years younger than I. I have no idea why I'm telling you any of this since everyone reading this already knows Tammie.

Tammie had sent me an e-mail yesterday stating, "what does your wife think of your blog? Um...it seems like you're fascinated with Mollie & Sammi than Kelly! I'd tone it down, dude...definitely tone it down". Samantha Miller is the oldest friend I have. I've known her for almost twenty years now. I still talk to her from time to time and we share an awful lot of fond memories. As for Mollie, we have a lot in common and I speak to her once a week. Kelly is aware of our relationships and understands that we're friends and nothing more.

Okay...back to today's activities.

Now, after a long day yesterday, I managed to finally get a good night's rest. I haven't slept-in for a long time. I think I went to bed at about 10:00PM last night and woke up at 6:45 this morning. Oh, by the way, Parker shit on Johnny's floor as I slept (Note to self: get the dogs out of the house at 3:30AM).

Another long day in the office. My assistant Matt Gilmer is taking the day off to spend some time with his younger sister. She's visiting from North Carolina. Nice gal. I met her on Saturday night when I was picking up the puppies to deliver in Salida (long story). He's entitled to his time with the family, but shit, it makes my job difficult. Granted, I handled the office by myself for 5 years, but it's grown out of control for just one person. It's a good thing that he's only gone for two days this week. I'd pull my hair out otherwise.

Well, hell...I better get to work. I have a mountain of paperwork I need to get through. Below are a few photographs I thought you would enjoy.

Photograph of frog on Mollie's window

Today's work load

Today's "TO DO" List

This morning, taking Johnny to Summer Camp

Leaving Johnny's Summer Camp

Jackson (Mollie's son) at Lunch on Sunday

New Photos

2008-07-14T13:25:00.003-06:00

I was going through the photos in my digital camera and came across I thought you would enjoy.

Grandpa and Johnny soaking their feet in the Arkansas River

Crazy white dude on the Arkansas River

Mollie taking a photograph of Kelly and Johnny

Big Head Parker

Man, I'm Swamped

2008-07-14T12:21:00.002-06:00

I hate coming in on Monday to a moutain of work. I really need to go to a seven day work week. I'll tell you what, if I even think about taking a day off, I fall two days behind. There's no rest for me, I tell ya'. Back to work I go.

My New B.F.F.

2008-07-14T06:17:00.003-06:00

Kelly's cousin Charlie is visiting his family in Salida, Colorado for two weeks so we decided to pack up the family and take a little road trip. We haven't seen Charlie in over two years (Nick's wedding). Charlie is in the Air Force and stationed in Louisiana. He is married to a wonderful woman named Mollie and they have a 14 month old son, Jackson. Although it was nice to see Charlie, I was more interested in seeing Mollie. I find the gal absolutely fascinating. I read her blog every day before I head off to work. Here are a few facts about Mollie:

* Has a Master's Degree in Hermeneutics and Theology from Regent University
* Lists "Well-timed Profanity" as an Interest
* Employed as a writer for the Shreveport Times
* Amateur Photographer
* Although educated, lists Zoolander as one of her favorite movies (hated it)
* Considers coffee a multi-vitamin (gal after my own heart)
* Die-hard Drugstore-Gamer

* Just purchased Gorillas in the Mist at some bookstore in Salida

* Author of my favorite site http://www.borderlandsoffaith.blogspot.com/

Mollie, I find full of life and enthusiasm. Her attitude is infectious. Plus, I dig smart chicks. One of these days, we'll make our way to Louisiana to visit Charlie and Mollie. Kelly's never been there and I was too drunk to remember any of the state (1995 is a blur).

We spent the day hanging out at Uncle Charle's house, went to the park, walked down Main Street, and watched the kayakers in the Arkansas River. We all enjoyed ourselves and each other's company. Johnny had a lot of fun down on the river, but overall, thought the day was just "okay". Robert doesn't get to see his family often, so I imagine he enjoyed himself.

Well, shit...I just realized what time it was and I really need to get ready for work.

Another Busy Day

2008-07-12T12:29:00.003-06:00

Another busy day at the office. Saturday usually is. With my staff completely absorbed in their work, I find myself having to cover most of their duties (making phone calls and sending e-mail). I normally get to work at about 7:30AM to get ahead in the day, with meetings from 8:00AM to 10:00AM. After meetings, I will spend the next 7-8 hours making phone calls and e-mails to customers, with a couple of hours in there adjusting inventory in nine different web-sites. Needless to say, I spend all day on the telephone and sitting behind a computer. Sound like a cushy job? Believe me, it can be quite exhausting and incredibly boring. But, hey...that's why they pay me the big bucks.

My boss will be blowing out of work early this evening to attend his parent's 40th wedding anniversary, so I'll be covering his duties from 5:00PM to 7:00PM (I've got $5.00 that says that I'll be here at least until 9:00PM). What an asshole. Typical Saturday. This photograph was taken after lunch. I had the Shrimp Skilletini from Johnny Carino's. Yumm.

LUNCH AT REDLANDS MESA

2008-07-11T17:27:00.002-06:00

Johnny and I spend Thursdays together when he's not in school. We do lots of fun things. Movies, golf, and video games. Somewhere in the mix, we try to have a lunch date. This week we ate at the Pinion Grille, located at the Golf Course at Redlands Mesa. What a wonderful lunch we had. We both ordered the Ahi Tuna Steak Sandwich, with a side of Ham & Corn Chowder.

When you have a six year old rug-rat, you normally eat fast food. Johnny normally wants Burger King or Mac Donald's. Quite honestly, I can't stomach the shit. Anyway...let me tell you more about the Pinion Grille.

For lunch, the Ahi Tuna comes in $10.95. It's also the most expensive item on the menu. The lunches range for $5.95 up to $10.95. Most of the menu items consist of sandwiches, with a couple of bowls of soup and a few salads. Plus, the service is wonderful.

Photos of Me in the Office

2008-07-10T11:44:00.004-06:00

These are a few quick photos of me in my office. I spend an awful lot of time at work, staring at a computer screen all day long. I bet I send out about 1,000 e-mails a day (video and written). I love my video set up. I find it pretty entertaining. I will normally set the camera to "random" and take snap shots of myself throughout the day. A young man has to do something to stay entertained.

My job is spent re-arranging inventories, building ads, and following up with our Internet guests. Now that I have an assistant, by job has become easier...kind of. Matt Gilmer is his name. I brought him over from Denver. He has absolutely no background in cars, but he's a quick learner. Once he is fluent in the car lingo, I shouldn't have to babysit.

Samantha's off to Idaho

2008-07-10T10:33:00.006-06:00

My oldest friend, Samantha J. Miller, has just accepted a position at the University of Idaho. She will be teaching Costume Design at the School of Theatre and Film. She's very talented. Samantha is one of the few people I went to college with that actually uses her degree. Shannon Zura being another. Look at me...seven years of college and I sit on a computer all day. What a waste of a perfectly good white boy.

The photograph to the right is of Samantha while she was still working at Syracuse University. Until March of 2007, I would have gone eleven years without seeing her. Although there was an eleven year lapse in seeing each other, it was as though it had only been a week! We hadn't skipped a beat.

Samantha's horrible about writing or calling, but I don't wish her any ill will. She's a busy gal. Hell, I speak to her mother more than her. I miss her a tremendous amount. Over the years, our lives have taken two completely different paths. This was the woman I was going to marry at one time.

Two crazy kids in college. We were so different back then.

A Day out Golfing with the Wife

2008-07-07T13:48:00.000-06:00

Well, the wife finally decided that she wants to start playing golf. I think there's a lot of reasons for this, mainly spending more time with her boys. For the last two years, Johnny and I have been playing golf on Thursdays and Sundays. We have a blast! For the last month or so, my wife has been forced to stay at home on Sundays, doing nothing while we play. Makes sense.

We started the morning playing a quick 9 holes. She had so much fun that she quickly decided that she wanted to play the back 9. She's not much of an athelete, so I was so pleased when she decided to take up some sort of sport.

MORE TO COME

2008-06-29T05:13:00.000-06:00

I'm still in the process of setting up this entire blog site, so you're going to have to stay patient.